The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Floyd couldn't help but glance towards the car where Juliette was eagerly peering out the window at him, while Isaiah, although engrossed in his book, was subtly paying attention to the scene unfolding outside.

Percival, from the driver's seat, was casting a warm gaze towards Vivienne, who wore a gentle smile on her face.

Suppressing the surge of excitement within, Floyd feigned resilience and shook his head, "Thanks, but I won't intrude any further. You guys should head back for dinner." After a brief silence, Vivienne spoke, "Are you sure? It's not safe for a kid to be out here at night, and you look like you haven't had dinner. If you don'te with us, I'll have no choice but to drive you home." Upon hearing Vivienne's offer to take him home, Floyd immediately panicked, hopping out of his spot as if fearing she might actually proceed with her plan the next second, "Then I'lle with you." Vivienne nodded in approval, "Let's go. You can sit with Juliette and the others." Vivienne opened the car door for Floyd, as the children had already made room for him.

"What made you sneak out like this?" Juliette asked curiously.

Floyd looked out the window, remaining silent on the topic; it seemed he didn't have the courage to delve too much into it. The feeling of being unloved was something he bore alone; Juliette and Isaiah couldn't possibly understand.

"One of the gifts we got you had the LEGO set you've been wanting. Your parents must be worried sick about you running off like this. After dinner, my dad will drive you back." Juliette's chatter didn't cease, but it didn't stop Floyd either.

"I doubt they'd even look for me," Floyd murmured quietly amidst her ramblings.

Percival caught Floyd's reflection in the rearview mirror, the small figure looking so forlorn looking out the window.

This revelation also reached Vivienne's ears, offering a glimpse into Floyd's troubling family dynamics, which explained a lot. Despite Juliette's incessant talking, thankfully, Floyd didn't seem distressed by the situation, which was a small relief. Initially planning to dine out, Percival considered that the kids had never experienced his cooking, especially with a guest over today, and ultimately decided to dine at home.

Upon arrival, Floyd appeared somewhat reserved, prompting Vivienne to glance at the kids, "You're in charge of entertaining our guest." "Roger that, Mom!" "Okay, Mom!" With that, they scurried off to their room, soon emerging with toys spread out on the living room floor.

e over, let's play with the toys." Juliette seemed to have otten any earlier disputes, eagerly pulling Floyd into their play. Witnessing this softened Vivienne's heart, grateful that, at least for now, the children were alright.

In the kitchen, as Vivienne sneakily wrapped her arms around Percival's waist while he was chopping vegetables, he cautioned, "Quit it, I'm cutting vegetables. Be careful not to get hurt." "You won't hurt me," Vivienne retorted with a smirk.

"The kids are in the living room; we don't want them to see." "So what if they see? They're busy with their toys and not paying any attention to us," Vivienne dismissed with a wave of her hand.

Percival mulled over her words, "Hmm, you're right. Have we ever tried it in the kitchen?" Vivienne fell silent, internally questioning why Mr. Wolf's mind always wandered to such naughty thoughts.

Yet, judging by his expression, he wasn't joking but seriously assessing the kitchen's layout for their escapade. Vivienne quickly covered his eyes, "Enough with your wild ideas, focus on cooking!" Percival gently grabbed her hand, "We've been through this many times, still shy? Seems I need to try harder." As the conversation veered into risqué territory, Vivienne hastened to cut it short, earning a satisfied peck from Percival.

Juliette, on the other hand, was thrilled, capturing the moment with her phone, delighted by this live demonstration of parental love.

Floyd, caught off-guard by witnessing such a scene, felt a mix of shock and sadness, contrasting the love he saw with the disdain within his own family.

Turning around, Vivienne caught Floyd's gaze, "What are you standing there for? Need any help?" Glancing around, Floyd realized Juliette and Isaiah had vanished, leaving him alone by the kitchen entrance.

Caught again.

Juliette, Isaiah: That's what you get for spacing out and not keeping up! "Just a bit hungry," Floyd mustered, after a moment of thought.

"Hungry? Just wait a bit, dinner's almost ready." "Alright." Floyd returned to the living room to resplaying with the toys, while Vivienne headed back to her study to continue her research on the runes.

At the dungeon's entrance, the guard had barely started his shift when a peculiar scent left him weakened, collapsing before fully understanding what was happening, soon losing consciousness.

A shadowy figure stepped over him, pushing open the door and moving down the corridor, their footsteps echoing.

Connor, lying on the ground, was struggling to catch his breath, still recovering from an episode. He barely managed to see a pair of shoes stop in front of him befor hands roughly grabbed his hair. Unable to feel pain or see clearly through the blood blurring his vision, he couldn't identify his assailant. en.kikistories "So, you're still alive?" Before Connor could guess the person's identity, a bitter pill was forced into his mouth, spreading an unbearable taste, causing him to writhe in agony on the floor.

The shadow released its grip in an instant, "You're of no use toalive. Find a tto do yourself in." With those chilling words, the figure vanished from the lab.

Brody, as was his routine, cto check on the lab. From a distance, he spotted someone collapsed on the ground, causing his brows furrow in concern. Suddenly, his gaze shifted to a near one! en.kikistories tree UMS He could've sworn he saw a figure darting away from there just moments ago! Quickening his pace, Brody headed towards the dungeon and, sure enough, found Connor lying on the ground, a mask of agony across his face.

"Damn it!" Brody cursed as he unlocked the dungeon door.

Approaching Connor, Brody detected a faint scent of almonds. Connor was overwhelmed by a burning sensation all over his body, making it nearly impossible to breathe.

With no other immediate solution, Brody reluctantly administered spain relief medication before stepping outside to call Vivienne.

Upon receiving the call, Vivienne's expression turned grave.

Percival, sensing something was amiss, set down his fork. "What's happened?" "I need to head to the lab right now. Later, could you make sure this kid gets hsafe?" Vivienne replied, her tone urgent.

Percival was initially inclined to offer Vivienne a ride, but hesitated upon hearing her request.

Brody had just reported that Connor was poisoned. What in the world was going on?!